Burkholderia cepacia complex

Lisa Spacek, M.D., Ph.D.

MICROBIOLOGY

  • Multi-species complex of bacteria, B. cepacia complex (Bcc) with species: B. cepacia, B. cenocepacia, B. multivorans, B. stablis, B. vietnamiensis, B. dolosa, B. ambifaria, B. lata, B. pyrrocinia.
    • Known to produce secondary metabolites with antifungal and antimicrobial properties.[16]
      • The biosynthesis of antibiotics is controlled by quorum sensing, a global regulatory system that coordinates bacteria behavior, allows cell-to-cell communication, and alters gene expression according to population density.[16][21]
  • Non-fermenting, aerobic Gram-negative rod [Fig 1]. Originally described by Burkholder as a causative agent of bacterial rot of onion bulbs (Latin, cepacia = onion).[17]
    • Formerly known as Pseudomonas cepacia.
  • A waterborne, nosocomial, opportunistic pathogen is ubiquitous in water, soil, and plants.
  • Recognized as the etiologic agent of "foot rot" or "swamp rot," maceration and hyperkeratosis affecting the toe webs of American soldiers who trained in wet terrain.[11]
    • Adheres to epithelial cells and mucin; survives inside epithelial cells and macrophages; forms biofilms; and secretes catalases, proteases and siderophores.[1]
    • B. cenocepacia is associated with the highest risk of mortality.[18]
      • B. cenocepacia ET-12 strain is associated with nosocomial transmission.[7]
  • Inherently resistant to many antibiotics, including first- and second-generation cephalosporins, carboxypenicillins, aminoglycosides and polymyxins.[11] Multi-drug resistance is common.[22][14]

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Last updated: June 18, 2023